a guide to sustainable packaging for... · a guide to sustainable packaging ... •introduction...

A guide to Sustainable Packagingfor the e-commerce sector

© Partners for Innovation – Final version EN September 2016

A Guide to Sustainable Packagingfor the e-commerce sector

This guide is the result of a collaboration between the Dutch Association for Paper and Board Mills (VNP), the Netherlands Entreprise Agency (RVO) and Thuiswinkel.org. The guide was written by Partners for Innovation with the support of the Knowledge Insitute for Sustainable Packaging (KIDV). >> Colofon

In this interactive guide you will find: • information regarding sustainable packaging, for companies in the e-commerce sector.• Examples and best-case practices of sustainable packaging• Contact details of producers and suppliers of packaging machines and materials.

Our aim is to inspire and support small, medium and large webshops, as well as fulfilment companies.



CONTENT

• Introduction

• Why a Sustainable Packaging?

• Prevention

• Logistics

• Materials

• Reuse and recycling

• Introduction

• Corrugated board

• Paper

• Plastic foil

• Bio-plastics

• Tape

• Overview examples per category

• Automatisation

• Packaging

• Filler materials

• Services and software

• Fashion

• Telecom, media and electronics

• Food, health and personal care

• Home and living

• Other

• Future developments

• Categories

• Wholesalers of packaging suplies

• Machine manufacturers and suppliers


SUSTAINABLE

• Producers of materials

MATERIALS EXAMPLES & CASES SUPPLIERS



Sustainable Packaging in e-commerce:


• Prevention

• Logistics

• Materials


CONTENT

‘Strong growth in delivery packaging due to growth of the e-commerce sector in the Netherlands’

In 2016, online consumption in the Netherlands grew by 16,1 percent. This growth was almost twice as muchas the year before (8,4 percent). The total expenditure by shopping online in 2015 was 16,07 billion euro. Over half of which were product related such as food, toys and fashion.

Source: Thuiswinkel Markt Monitor, a research performed by GfK for Thuiswinkel.org, with the support of PostNL.

• Introduction

SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS EXAMPLES & CASES SUPPLIERS

https://www.thuiswinkel.org/nieuws/3040/nederlanders-shoppen-in-2015-voor-16-07-miljard-online



Cost reductionA sustainable packaging is also an efficient packaging, and preventsdamage and reduces the amount of empty space in the packaging. This saves materials and lowers logistics costs in the value chain.

Reduce environmental impactSustainable packaging reduces the amount of damaged goods, increases logistics efficiency and requires less packaging material. Reuse and recycling of packaging materials ensures longer and more efficient use of resources, thereby reducing the associatedCO2 emissions and environmental impact of these materials.

Marketing A sustainable packaging leads to higher customer satisfaction.Oversized packaging full of filler materials are a great source of annoyance to online consumers. A compact and lightweightpackaging reduces the amount of waste that the consumer is leftto dispose of, and prevents irritated customers.

Legislation

Companies that put packaging on the market have toadhere to the demands of the European Directive 94/62/EC regarding Packaging and Packaging Waste.

Among others, the Directive demands that a system is put in place, to ensure that the most optimal andsustainable packaging solution is used at all times.


Why a Sustainable Packaging?

CONTENT SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS EXAMPLES & CASES SUPPLIERS

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/NL/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:31994L0062&from=nl



1. Prevent over-use > Sustainable packaging is efficient packaging

Optimal Packaging (The Consumer Goods Forum, Global Packaging Project, 2011)

Sustainable packaging presents the optimum between protection of the product (to minimise losses due to damaging), and reducing the amountof material use (weight and volume).

UnderpackagingProtection of the product is always number one priority. Damagedproducts not only lead to unhappy customers, but also result in a higherenvironmental impact, due to shipment returns and repairment (or replacement) of the product.

OverpackagingOver-use of packaging results in: • higher costs of materials & transportation• higher environmental impact • annoyed customers

Optimal packagingFinding the optimal packaging is a shared responsibility of the entiresupply chain.

• Prevention


http://www.theconsumergoodsforum.com/files/Publications/2011-CGF-Global-Packaging-Report.pdf



2. Logistics > Reduce empty spaces and increase transport efficiency

Empty spaces in packaging are the result of over dimensioning. This has a negative effect on boththe environment as on transportation costs.

Save material costsOversized packaging requires more packaging materials (board, plastic). Also, extra filling materialis often needed to prevent the product from moving and getting damaged during transport.

Save transportation costsThe amount of packaging per vehicle is reduced when using oversized packaging. Because of this, the costs (both environmental as well as financial) per packaging are therefore higher.

Avoid irritated consumersE-commerce packaging has to be disposed of by the consumer themselves. Therefore, oversized or heavy packaging can lead to irritated customers. Especially when they find a large amount of filling materials.

• Logistics




3. Materials > How to choose sustainable materials?

Use FSC® and PEFCtm materialsWood and paper products that are produced using sustainable forestry methods, are recognisable by the FSC® and PEFCtm

labels. To ensure that products with these lables are produced from sustainable forests, all companies in the value chain of these products, from forest to end-user, have to be certified. The certification is performed by independent certifyingorganisations.

Use biobased materialsWhen possible, use packaging made from biobased materials. Biobased materials are sustainable en CO2 neutral, as opposed to materials made from fossil based resources. Corrugated board is a biobased material, but also plastic can nowbe produced from biobased resources (bio-plastics).

Use recycled materialsWhen you use packaging made from recycled materials, you use resources more efficiently. Paper and corrugated board are usually made from recycled materials. Some plastic foils are also produced from recycled materials.

For each product there is a unique optimal packaging solution that fulfills the need and meets product requirements. There are, however, also someguidelines that, for the most part, result in a sustainable choice of materials.

• Materials


http://www.fsc.nl/nl-nl/certificeren/keurmerkgebruik-01/de-fsc-labels

http://www.pefc.org/



ReuseSometimes packaging can be reused as packaging for another product, or for another function. Reusing the packaging is often the most sustainable solution, but difficult to realise due tohealth and safety issues, logistical problems and costs.

RecyclingIn the Netherlands there is a number of organised recycling systems for packaging materials. Especially used paper and board are for the most part collected and recycled (80-90%). Nowadays, plastics are also, for a large part, collected and recycled (ca. 50%). Packaginglaminates that are composed of different materials, are often more difficult to recycle, becausethey have to be seperated from eachother by either consumers or recycling companies.

WasteSometimes part of the packaging cannot be recycled and ends up as domestic waste. In theNetherlands, domestic waste that cannot be recycled, is incinerated to recover part of theenergy value. This is a suboptimal solution as it results in the loss of valuable resources.

4. Reuse and recyling > What happens during the disposal phase?

What goes in which bin?

In the Netherlands, consumer packagings have logos that help the consumer understand in which bin thepackaging can be disposed of. The top of the logo describes to which part of the packaging thedescription relates (e.g. a paper wrap, a glass jar or a can). The icon in the middle and the text below show in which bin the packaging belongs.

For more info: www.kidv.nl



https://www.kidv.nl/4198/weggooiwijzer.html



Introduction

MATERIALS

Packaging in the e-commerce sector is for about 80% (weight percentage) made of paper and board. The remaining 20% of the packaging consistsmostly of plastic. Each of these materials have their own specificcharacteristics and applications. There is no such thing as sustainablematerials, there are only sustainable applications!

Each situation and product has an optimal packaging solution, that fulfillsthe specific requirements. For more information click on the followingmaterials:

1. Corrugated board

2. Paper

3. Plastic foil

4. Bioplastics

5. Tape

• Introduction

SUSTAINABLECONTENT EXAMPLES & CASES SUPPLIERS



1. Corrugated board

TIP: Consider a tailormade packaging!To find the optimal packaging for your product, it is advisable to talk toyour packaging producer. Together you can determine what the dimensions and the minimal thickness should be to provide the required protection. This tailormade packaging is often already a viable option in small quantities.

The most used material in e-commerce packaging is corrugated board. This material is 100% biobased and can be fully recycled. Corrugatedboard is very strong and provides good protection against the impact of shocks. Corrugated board boxes are therefore highly suited to protectproducts during transport.

Corrugated board consists of several layers: a top layer, a waved middlelayer and an inner layer. These three layers are glued together, giving the board its strong properties. After usage the board can be disposed of in the recycled paper bin. It’s then collected and transported to the board mill, where it’s used as a resource to produce new corrugated board. Over 80% of the corrugated board used in the Netherlands is collected and recycled.

The processing and printing of the corrugated board are environmentallyfriendly as well: the inks are mostly water based and the glues are made from starch.

• Corrugated board

CONTENT MATERIALSSUSTAINABLE EXAMPLES & CASES SUPPLIERS



2. Paper

TIP: Think about what you want to achieve with your packaging. Are you looking

for more marketing appeal or are you more focused on protection? Or both? Include

this in your packaging design, or have the designers of the packaging producer

develop it for you.

To provide more protection, (kraft) paper can be used as filler material. By filling the empty spaces inside the packaging, paper prevents the product from sliding during transport. The paper can also be altered intospecial shapes to give it shock absorbing qualities ands adds to the ‘unboxing experience’ of the customer.

Like corrugated board, paper is fully recyclable and can be collected and used to produce new paper via the existing collection systems.

• Paper




3. Plastic foil

TIP: Ask your supplier for recycled plastic packaging materials!

Various suppliers now offer plastic foils and foam, that are partly made from

recycled plastic. Ask your supplier which options they offer you.

Plastic packaging, like PE (Polyethylene) envelopes and bags, offer goodresistance against tearing and protects products against dust and water. Their structure, however, do not protect against the impact of shocks. This packaging material is therefore more suited for softer products thatdo not break easily. Aside from packaging, plastic can also be used as filler material in the form of air cushions or PS (Polystyrene) foam chips.

Improved production methods and resources have enabled the production of very thin and light plastic packaging. Because of this, plastic packaging is now 25 percent lighter than 10 years ago.

Technically, plastic packaging can be recycled very well. Due to the Plastic Heroes system, the collection of plastic packaging has improved greatlyover the last years in the Netherlands. Note that polystyrene foam is notcollected via this system, and therefore is still disposed of mainly via domestic waste.

• Plastic foil




4. Biobased plastics Biobased and/or Biodegradable

Biobased plastics are plastics produced from renewableresources. They are, in general, more expensive thanfossil based plastics. The advantage of biobased plastics is that many are more environmentally friendly. The production related CO2-emissions are 30-70% lowercompared to fossil fuel based plastics.

Biodegradable plastics: Biological degradation orbiodegradation refers to the catalysed degradation of a material by means of biological activity. The material is converted into natural gasses (among others CO2), water and minerals, by micro-organisms such as bacteria or fungi. There are several tests and labels available that show to what extent a material is biodegradable.

For more info: www.biobasedplastics.nl

Bioplastics (or ‘biobased plastics’) are plastics made from renewable resources. Sometimes the term bioplastics refers to ‘biodegradable plastics’. These plastics are compostable.

Examples of biobased plastics are:• Starch plastics (made from potatoes or corn)• PLA – Polylactic acid (transparent foil)• PHA (plastics produced by micro-organisms) • Several polyesters

At the moment only few webshops or fulfilment centers use bioplastic packaging.

• Bioplastics


http://www.biobasedplastics.nl/



5. Tape

TIP: Have your tape printed!

Printing tape is a cheap way to show your brand on the

outside of the box. By doing so, you no longer need to

print the entire box.

Tape comes in all shapes and sizes, but usually has a width of 48 mm.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): Easy to process, but also the least environmentally friendly variation. The advantage of PVC tape is that it makes very little noise when applied.

PP (Polypropylene): The cheapest versions of PP tape make a lot of noise during application. Therefore some versions add a ‘noise reducer’ to the glue. PP tape is also available with a ‘solvent’ and ‘hotmelt’ glue layer.

PP acrylic-based: This tape has a water based glue layer and is more environmentally friendly. The tape is UV-proof, which means that no discolouring occurs over time, which makes it ideal forwhite boxes.

Paper tape: If you want to avoid plastic altogether, a paper tape could be an alternative. Paper tape can be recycled together with the rest of the corrugated board packaging. Sometimes glassfibre is added to the paper tape to increase the strength, but this makes the tape less suited forrecycling.

• Tape




Telecom, media and electronics

Services and softwarePackaging

CATEGORIEËNCATEGORIEËN VOORBEELDENVOORBEELDEN

Filler materials Automatisation

Fashion Food, health and personal care

Home and living

VOORBEELDEN / CASES

Other

Futuredevelopments

EXAMPLES & CASES

• Overview examples per category

CONTENT SUPPLIERSMATERIALSSUSTAINABLE



Examples and cases:

Large webshops• Full-automatic packaging line• Bundeling and banding machines

Medium-large webshops• Semi-automated machines • Automatic dispenser of filler materials

Small webshops• Support tools manual dispenser of filler materials• Support tools for manual folding of boxes

• Automatisation

Automatisation

EXAMPLES & CASESCONTENT SUPPLIERSMATERIALSSUSTAINABLE



Full-automatic packaging line

The CVP-500 of Neopost allows for automatic packaging, leaving a minimum amount of empty space. The automatic line folds, glues and labels the boxes in one motion. The CVP-500 focuses on the productivity of the packaging process, and is up to 10x faster thanmanual packaging. The CVP-500 is completely flexible regarding thesize or shape of the packaging, and regarding the amount of stackedproducts per packaging.

Sustainability: • Prevention: the CVP-500 uses the minimal amount of board and makes filler material obsolete. • Logistics: due to the reduction of empty space in the packaging, the amount of transportation volume is reduced by 50%.

Suited for: • Medium-large to large webshops and fulfilment companies.• All products: small to large products, and both single as well as multi-products.

CATEGORIEËNCATEGORIEËN VOORBEELDENVOORBEELDENEXAMPLES & CASESCONTENT SUPPLIERSMATERIALSSUSTAINABLE

• Automatisation

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J01y0DMFQMo



Semi-automatic packaging line

Several machines have been developed for webshops and fulfilment centers thathave a varying demand in packaging dimensions and configurations. An example is Panotec’s ‘Box on Demand’ machine. This machine is fed by corrugated board of three different width measures.

The machine enables its user to produce a box sheet of any measurements desired, that can subsequently be folded manually. This reduces the amount of empty space, thereby reducing the need for fillers by 80%. Also packaging costs are lowered whilethe efficiency of the packaging process is increased.

Sustainability: • Prevention: reduces the amount of board and filler materials used.• Logistics: reduces transport costs and related CO2 emissions, due to less empty space left in the packaging.

Suited for: • Medium-large webshops and fulfilment companies.• Various products.

CATEGORIEËNCATEGORIEËN VOORBEELDENVOORBEELDENVOORBEELDEN / CASESEXAMPLES & CASESCONTENT SUPPLIERSMATERIALSSUSTAINABLE

• Automatisation



Semi-automatic packaging line

Using standardised packaging boxes often leads to a certain amount of empty spaceremaining. Especially when the products differ in size and shape and need to bepacked together in different combinations. The empty space is usually the result of the box being too “high”.

There are various machines available, such as the machines from B+ equipment, thatare able to alter the height of the box automatically. After measuring the excess of height of the box, the machine automatically folds the box inwards and glues the folds, thereby sealing the box. This saves transport space and thereby logistic costsand filler material.

Sustainability: • Logistics: less empty space and therefore less energy use and CO2 emissions due to less transport.

Suited for: • Medium-large webshops and fulfilment companies (300 to 2000 boxes per day).• Various products: books, IT, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, office supplies, clothes, shoes, etc.


• Automatisation



Automatic dispenser of filler materials

In order to protect the products during transport, filler material is often used. This material prevents the productsfrom moving in the packaging box and also absorbs shocks.

Automatisation of the filling process can save time and materials. The FillPak machine measures the amount of empty space within the box and automatically produces the optimum amount of kraft paper to fill this space. Thisensures that the right amount of kraft paper is used (optimal protection with the minimal amount of paper).

Sustainability: • Prevention: the automatisation ensures that the least amount of filler material is used in order to provide the required amount of protection.• Material : the kraft paper is 100% renewable and can be recycled or reused.

Suited for: • Medium-large to large webshops and fulfilment companies.• Various products: toys, clothes, books, cosmetics, electronics, pharmaceuticals etc.


• Automatisation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7vh9l4P-K4&feature=youtu.be



Bundling and banding machines

Sustainability: • Material: very thin banding material made from (FSC® ) paper or foil. Fully biodegradable banding options are available.• Prevention: no tape needed.

Suited for: • Medium-large to large webshops and fulfilment companies.• All types of products.

Banding machines wrap a band around boxes and other types of packaging. Thisbanding acts as both a seal as additional branding. The advantage of a printed band is that it’s both cheaper and more flexible, than printing the entire box. In the e-commerce sector, adding a band to the packaging is often done in order to provide evidence that the packaging hasn’t been tampered with.

Banding machines can be used as stand-alone equipment, or as integrated part of the existing packaging line.

An FSC® -certified paper banding material, combined with a PE-free hotmelt seal, provides the user with a fully biodegradable banding option.


• Automatisation

https://www.bandall.com/nl/Markten/Bundelsystemen-voor-industrie-Logistiek/



Support tools for manual filling

Automatisation of the filling process saves time, materials and costs. Sometimes thisis not an option due to lack of available space for a fully automated line.

A possible solution is the use of a manual support tool. These tools requirerelatively little space, and are capable of effectively producing 1-layer paper fillingmaterial. The tool doesn’t need electricity and saves time and costs compared tomanually deforming the paper. The paper is formed by the tool in such a way, that itprovides protection during transport by absorbing shocks.

Sustainability: • Prevention: requires less material to fill empty space in boxes efficiently and effectively.• Material: the paper is 100% renewable, recyclable and reusable.

Suited for: • Small webshops.• Toys, clothes, books, cosmetics, electronics, pharmaceuticals, etc.


• Automatisation



Support tools for manual folding of boxes

Manual folding and packaging of boxes is time consuming and puts a strain on the human body. However, sometimes the packaging volumes are too low to justify the investment in an automatic packaging line.

Tools such as the Jig mal, increase the speed of the packaging line, while alsoreducing the amount of physical strain. The mal itself does not require anymaintenance and also takes up little space. It’s a small investment with a quick pay-back time. To increase the packaging speed even further, there are also semi-automatic solutions available.

Tools to fold boxes are often available to you via your corrugated board supplier.

Sustainability: • Material: depending on the construction of the box, no or less tape is required.

Sustainability aspect : • Medium-large webshops and fulfilment companies.• Various small to medium-sized products.


• Automatisation



Examples and cases:

• Standard box or tailor made?• The unboxing experience

Large webshops• More compact corrugated board

Medium to large webshops• Boxes with an integrated return system• Adjustable length• Packaging for books• Mailbox packaging• Plastic bags containing recycled material

Small webshops• Tailor made boxes• Manually adjustable boxes

Packaging• Packaging




Standard box or tailor made?

Corrugated board packaging is available in different shapes and sizes. The most common versions are standardisedby FEFCO. The most commonly used packaging box is the American folding box (FEFCO 0201). It’s suited formanual filling and closing (with tape) and for automated lines.

Standard box versus tailor madeSuppliers of packaging boxes generally offer standardised versions. This has great benefits: quick delivery (within24 hours), large choice in sizes, and additional materials such as tape and fillers can be ordered and supplied in combination with the boxes.

Ordering tailormade boxes becomes attractive when ordering one pallet, or more, of one type of box. Whenordering less then this amount, the costs are unfavourable and the standardised box would be the better option.

TIP: Focus on your best selling product!

Decide which of your products sells best, and develop a tailormade packaging box for it. This will reduce your costs,

chance of damage during transport, and the environmental footprint of your product. Depending on the shape and

quality, this can be a financially attractive option, starting from a few hundreds of boxes.

CATEGORIEËNCATEGORIEËN VOORBEELDENVOORBEELDENVOORBEELDEN / CASES

Sustainability: • Prevention: tailormade boxes provide better protection of the product


• Packaging



The unboxing experience

Packaging can function both as a protective and as a marketing tool.

Vinylshippingbox.com, a Dutch start-up business, developed a unique packaging solution to send LPs to her client NewOnVinyl. The packaging was designed to provide protectionof the sensitive product during transport, while also being as light as possible, in order to limit the air freight costs. Furthermore, the packaging had to enhance the ´Vinyl experience´.

The Vinylshippingbox is a robust and compact double sided packaging box. Inside the box, an extra elastic film clamps the LP, preventing it from shifting and getting scratches. The design and printing provide a unique unboxing experience to lovers of vinyl records.

Sustainability: • Prevention: good protection of the product results in less damaged and returned goods.• Logistics: lightweight and therefore lower transport costs (air freight).

Suited for: • Small and medium-large webshops.• Vinyl records and electronics.


• Packaging

http://www.newonvinyl.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCEp0XOOYxM



More compact corrugated board

Sustainability: • Logistics: compacter (20%), resulting in reduced CO2 emissions during transport.• Production: improved runability, and therefore less energy use.

Suited for: • Medium-large to large webshops and fulfilment companies.

There are new corrugated board types on the market that are more compact, leading to significant savings in logistics and storage costs. These boards have similar strength properties as regular board. Advantages are:• More packaging per pallet• Fewer incoming pallets• Less storage space required

Other benefits include: higher efficiency, fewer changing pallets during production, safety, productivity, improvedrunability on folding machines, better presentation and printability than B-fluting.

Ask your corrugated board supplier!


• Packaging

http://www.dssmith.com/voordelen-van-R-Flute

http://www.dssmith.com/voordelen-van-R-Flute



Boxes with an integrated resealing system

To facilitate return shipments, various types of resealable boxes have been developed.

The Multibox is a webshop box with an innovative sealing tape. The customer (and the webshop or fulfilment center as well) do not have to add new tape themselves. The product can therefore be returned easily using the same packaging box.

Due to the smart interior of the packaging, the product is protected without the needfor filler material.

Sustainability: • Prevention: good protection of the product (also during return shipments)• Material: less need for tape

Suited for: • Medium-large to large webshops and fulfilment companies.• Various products, such as: books, IT, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, office supplies, clothes, shoes.


• Packaging



Manually adjustable boxes

Using standardised packaging boxes often lead to a certain amount of empty space remaining. Especially when the products differ in size, shape and needto be packed together in different combinations. The empty space is often the result of the box being too “high”.

Using manually adjustable boxes, helps reduce the amount of empty spaceinside the packaging. These boxes possess prefabricated lines (one per cm) that can be used to conveniently cut the box to the correct height. Folding the box inwards also provides additional strength to the sides against verticalpressure.

Sustainability: • Logistics: less empty space and therefore less energy use and CO2 emissions from transport.

Suited for: • Small webshops.• Books, IT, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, office supplies, clothes, shoes etc.


• Packaging



Adjustable length

Elongated objects often don’t fit into standard boxes. The length of these productsvary greatly, which makes it necessary to have a large variation of packaging of different sizes in stock.

There are various packaging solutions available for such elongated products, such as the HIT & HAT. The HIT can be used as a seperate pacakaging, but its length can beincreased up to 1,85 meter by the accompanying HAT part.

For larger webshops there are automatic lines, that measure the products and produce the right packaging automatically.

Sustainability: • Prevention: less material use.• Logistics: less empty space and therefore less energy use and CO2 emissions from transport.

Suited for: • Small to Medium-large webshops and fulfilment companies• Elongated products such as umbrellas, posters etc.


• Packaging



Packaging for books

Sending books and small products often leads to overdimensioned packaging. Especially when having to send a combination of products with very different volumes and shapes.

A book packaging is a universal packaging to send books and small gifts. The packaging can be easily adjusted in height, which allows it to be used for sending a range of products with different volumes and shapes.

Sustainability: • Logistics: less empty space and therefore less energy use and CO2 emissions from transport.

Suited for: • Small to medium-large webshops and fulfilment companies.• Books and small products.


• Packaging



Mailbox packaging

A packaging that doesn’t fit in the mailbox slot leads to extra transport costs, as the delivery service has to come back when the receiving customer is not home. This alsoincreases the environmental impact significantly .

A Mailbox packaging is a small packaging box that is linked to a track and trace code and fits through the slot of a mailbox. The advantage of this box is that the product can always be delivered, even when the receiver is not home.

Sustainability: • Logistics: less transport because the package can always be delivered.

Suited for: • Ideal for sending books, dvds, small gifts etc. that fit through the mail box slot.


• Packaging

http://www.postnl.nl/versturen/brief-of-kaart-versturen/verzendopties/brievenbuspakje/



Plastic bags containing recycled material

For products that are less vulnerable, plastic bags can be used for transport.

There are various suppliers of plastic bags that are (partly) made from recycledplastic. This efficient use of materials can be communicated by the webshop, to demonstrate their sustainability ambitions. The plastic bag can be used for manualpackaging as well as fully automated packaging lines.

Sustainability: • Material: recycled plastics lower the environmental impact up to 65% compared to virgin resources.

Suited for: • Small, medium-large and large webshops and fulfilment companies.• Secondary packaging for food. Also suited for non-food applications.


TIP: Ask your supplier for recycled plastic!

More and more suppliers of plastic foils en foam offer products that contain

recycled plastics. Ask your supplier about the available options.


• Packaging



Examples and cases:

Paper• Kraft paper• PAPERplus® Papillon• Paper bubblewrap• Colourful filling

Board• Corrugated board filling

Air cushions• Recycled plastic• Compostable plastic

Foam• Biobased foam

Filler materials






Kraft paper

Sustainability: • Reuse and recycling: the paper buffers can be reused or recycled as recovered paper.• Prevention: the smart shape of the kraft paper limits the amount of needed filler material to fill the empty spaces in the box.

Suited for: • Small, medium-large and large webshops and fulfilment companies.• Small to medium-small lightweight packages.

Paper is used for filling and wrapping purposes in e-commerce packages, in order to prevent the products from moving and to protect them against the impact of shocks.

Kraft paper is lightweight, resilient and strong. The quality and feel of the filler materialprovides a positive ´unboxing´experience to the customer.





PAPERplus® Papillon

Sustainability: • Reuse and recycling: the paper buffers can be reused or recycled as recovered paper.• Prevention: the smart shape of the kraft paper limits the amount of needed filler material to fill the empty spaces in the packaging box.

Suited for: • Various e-commerce, cosmetics and pharmaceutical companies.• Small to medium-small lightweight packages.

The PAPERplus® Papillon offers flexible possibilities to integratethe machine in your packaging line. The paper is lightweight, resilient and of strong quality. Its unique shape and qualityprovides the customer with a positive packaging experience.





Paper bubblewrap

To protect vulnerable products during transport, bubblewrap or air cushions are oftenused. These provide good protection due to their ability to absorb impacts.

The Geami WrapPak is an innovative machine that combines two different types of paper, in order to produce the first paper alternative to plastic bubblewrap. The cutbrown kraft paper is combined with soft tissue paper, to produce a wrapping paper with high protective qualities.

The improved protection combined with the ´wow´ effect reduces the amount of damaged products and return shipments.

Sustainability: • Material: the paper is 100% renewable, recyclable and reusable. • Prevention: often requires less material and no tape for the same level of protection.

Suited for: • Medium-large webshops and fulfilment companies.• Tableware, cosmetics, electronics, food supplements, etc.



https://vimeo.com/128481380



Sustainability:• Logistics: due to the compact delivery size, less volume and therefore less impact from logistics.• Recycling: easy for the consumer to recycle (100% recyclable). Also available in a natural brown colour.

Suited for:• Small and medium-large webshops and fulfilment companies.• Various applications, such as: gifts, toys, porcelain and other products that benefit from a stylish presentation.

SizzlePak® is a filler material made from paper that is folded in zigzag patterns, and cut into small strips. It’s a typical paper filler material that enhances the unboxingexperience of the customer. The SizzlePak® is delivered in a compact form, as the material is pressed into its container under pressure during production. Upon removalfrom its container, the material regains its original shape. SizzlePak® is available in anycolour on demand.

Some advantages:• Almost completely dust free• 100% biodegradable and recyclable• Offers efficient protection• Clean and easy to use• Delivered in compact size

Decorative filler material





TriFill®

TriFill® helps to protect products during transport. It’s a biobased alternative to plastic filling materials, such as bubblewrap, air cushions and foam chips.

TriFill® is made from corrugated board, is 100% recyclable and has a highly sustainableimage. The consumer can conveniently dispose of the entire packaging, including fillermaterial, in the bin for recovered paper.

The basis for TriFill® is a mix of dedicated board material and side streams fromcorrugated board production. Waste material is therefore directly converted into a valuable resource for new products.

Sustainability: • Recycling: easy for the consumer to recycle (100% recyclable).

Suited for: • Small and medium-large webshops and fulfilment companies.• High end products.



http://www.dssmith.com/Tri-Fill



Air cushions

Plastic air cushions are often used to protect products during transport. There are several suppliers and wholesalersthat offer different shapes and sizes of air cushions, as well as machines to produce air cushions.

Recycled materialsSeveral suppliers offer air cushions that are partly made from recycled materials. The production process of the threelayered co-extrusion foil contributes to less use of virgin resources, and improves the quality. The foil is also fullyrecyclable after use.

Biobased materialsRecently biobased foils have become available that are fully biodegradable and produced from renewable resources.

Sustainability: • Prevention: minimal use of materials. Air cushions are also very lightweight, which saves fuel costs during transport.• Material: possible to choose recycled, biobased and compostable materials.

Suited for: • Small, medium-large and large webshops and fulfilment companies.• Heavy objects (stabilise) or breakable objects (protect).





Biobased foam

Sustainability: • Prevention: good protection of the product and therefore less product losses.• Material: biobased and biodegradable material.

Suited for: • Small and medium-large webshops and fulfilment companies.• Various products.

To transport breakable products safely, foam loosefil is often used as a buffer material. These small plastic foam parts are very lightweight, and can easily end up in the eco-system due to careless unpacking. The plastic foam parts will then remain there for a long time due to their high resilience to biodegradation.

There are different suppliers that provide biobased foam materials. This material is made from corn, wheat or starch. The biobased foam is produced using extrusion in combination with heat and steam, and then `foamed`. In contrast to foam chips produced from fossil fuels, the biobased foam can be dissolved in water and is highlybiodegrable when exposed to air, water and bacteria.





Examples and cases:

Clothes• Retour packaging with voucher• Paper envelope• Reusable packaging (wrinkle-free transport or coat hanger)

Fashion


• Fashion




Reusable and returnable packaging

RePack is a smart packaging solution for online retailers. It allows delivery packaging to be returned and reused.

In the Nordics, the returnable bottle deposit system is a widespread and efficient logistic system. RePack has applied this approach to eCommerce. RePack’s users simply return their packaging via the local postal system anywhere in the world. When the empty packaging has been returned, the user receives a voucher via email that can be used at any #RePackingsupporting web store.

RePack improves the user experience at web stores, drives up customer loyalty, increases sales and eliminates trash. Repack is the solution for online retailers wishing to demonstrate commitment to sustainability – while rewarding their customers.

Sustainability: • Reuse and recycling: repacking eliminates packaging waste substantially. A single RePack can be reused, on average, 20 times.

Suited for: • Small and medium-large webshops and fulfilment companies dealing with a high amount of return shipments• Clothes, linens, pharmaceuticals etc.


• Fashion


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arA_fGLh74g

http://www.originalrepack.com/stores/?lang=en



Paper envelopes

Paper envelopes are used for transportation of clothes. The paper produces anenvironmentally friendly appearance. Custom made printing of the envelope is alsopossible.

Product qualities• Strong paper• Environmentally friendly image• Printing is possible• Available in different sizes

Example: Hanes is a t-shirt brand that fully uses the environmentally friendly qualityof kraft paper envelopes.

Sustainability: • Material: made from recyclable paper.• Reuse and recycling: packaging can be reused.

Suited for: • Small and medium-large webshops and fulfilment companies.• Clothes


• Fashion


http://salazarpackaging.com/sustainable-packaging-hanesbrands-and-globe-guard-products-are-a-good-fit/



Wrinkle-free transport of clothing

Sustainability: • Reuse and recycling: reusable packaging.• Prevention: due to the special design, the clothes will remain fold and wrinkle-free, which in turn leads to fewer return shipments.

Suited for: • Medium-large and large webshops and fulfilment companies.• Fashion: all clothes that need to stay wrinkle-free during transport.

The Rollor Express is a reusable packaging for clothes. The Rollor Express guaranteesthat your clothes arrive wrinkle-free at their destination, and also provides a uniqueunboxing experience. The combination of a rollor and a thicker edge, ensures that the clothers are not folded and minimises the pressure during transport. The clothes are therefore immediately fit to wear upon delivery. The Rollor Express is also available in a corrugated board version.

The Rollor can be custom designed and is highly suited for innovative online clothingshops.


• Fashion


https://vimeo.com/74280654



Reusable packaging

Hangerpak is a transport packaging for clothes, that after use can be folded into a coat hanger. This innovative packaging solution increases the life time of the packagingmaterial by a considerable amount.

Advantages• Environmentally friendly appearance• Strong marketing potential• Innovative character

This packaging is not yet commercially available.

Sustainability: • Material: the packaging can be made from various sustainable materials such as paper or board.• Reuse and recycling: the packaging can first be reused as coat hanger and eventually recycled as recovered paper.

Suited for: • Small and medium-large webshops and fulfilment companies.• Clothes


• Fashion




Examples and cases:

Telecom and electronics• Protection- Retention and suspension packaging• Packaging with integrated product fixation• Security strip• Bio-based foam

Media• Biobased plastic - biobased magazine packaging

Telecom, media and electronics






Retention and suspension packaging

For valuable and fragile products, protection against the impact of shocks is important. The foil in retention and supsension packaging fixates the product in place, thereby preventing it from receiving damage from impacts orsudden movements. This type of packaging is highly suited for the transport of e.g. watches, glasses, computer components etc. The packaging is available in different formats and in both a retention and a suspsion version.

Product qualities:• Can be used for various products• No need for filler material• Easy to open for the consumer• Can also be used for return shipments

Sustainability: • Prevention: no filler material required.• Reuse and recycling: foil and board can be seperated easily in order to recycle.

Suited for: • Small and medium-large webshops and fulfilment companies.• Small, fragile products such as electronics.





Packaging with integrated product fixation

To protect valuable and delicate products, protective features against shocks are important. Smart packaging, such as the “3 in 1 Protection box” developed forCanal+, have ingenious constructions built in, that act as a fixation and buffer.

Sustainability: • Prevention: no need for filler material.• Reuse and recycling: the corrugated board is fully recyclable.

Suited for: • Small and medium-large webshops and fulfilment companies.• Small, fragile products such as electronics.





Media packaging: security strip

Media packaging that have a security strip are highly suited for products such as cds, dvds and tapes. The security strip helps protect the product against theft. The packaging also has a window part that can be used to denote the address.

Sustainability: • Prevention: less re-shipping of products due to theft or missing products.• Logistics: small packaging, little use of materials, less transportation.

Suited for: • Small and medium-large webshops and fulfilment companies.• Media devices and small electronics.





Sustainability: • Material: biobased product that is 100% compostable.

Suited for: • Medium-large and large webshops and fulfilment companies.• Among others: electronics, cosmetics, medical products and food.

Biobased foam from starch and fibres

PaperFoam is a very light material made from starch and fibres. It’s a biobasedalternative to expanded polystyrene (EPS) and other plastics, but can also be used to replace some folding box board and moulded fibre packaging applications.

PaperFoam has anti-static qualities and can therefore be used as packaging for smallelectronics. It can also be used for cosmetics, medical products and food. Because the product is moulded into shape, the packaging can be custom designed in any shapeand colour, with high levels of detail.

As PaperFoam is made from starch and fibres, after use the packaging can be eithercomposted or recycled for paper production.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMLsPmAhYrk



Biobased magazine packaging

Magazines are often wrapped in a plastic foil to protect them from tearing, moistureand other potential damage. There is now a biobased magazine foil available on the market, that is made from sugar based polyethylene (bioPE) and that is also 100% recyclable. According to the producer, the CO2 footprint of this bioplastic is 4 kg lowerper ton of plastic foil.

The packaging can be used for manual or automated packaging lines.

Sustainability: • Material: biobased material and 100% recyclable.

Suited for: • Suited for all types of flexible packaging.





Examples and cases:

Fresh food• Cooled and isolating packaging• Active packaging (ethylene scavengers)

Drinks and wine bottles• Protection against breaking• Reusable packaging

Snacks• Letterbox packaging

Food, health and personal care






Cooled and isolating packaging

Transportation of food often requires cooling in order to prevent spoiling. The Foodmailer® is a sustainable solution to send and deliver cooled (fresh) products. The packaging contains paper ice packs, which enable retailers and e-tailers to transport their fresh products with optimum cooling.

The Foodmailer® is made out of cardboard and can therefore be used recycled afteruse. The Foodmailer® is also FSC® and Climate Neutral labeled.

Sustainability: • Prevention: prevent losses of fresh food due to spoilage.• Reuse and recycling: the packaging is made out of 100% cardboard and is fully recyclable.

Suited for: • Small, medium-large and large webshops and fulfilment companies. • Cooled (fresh) products.






Certain product types such as food and medicins, require cooling duringtransportation. The isolation packaging Medicold was originally designed to be usedby the medical and pharmaceutical industry. Since 2007 these boxes have also been used by the fresh food industry and the e-commerce sector. The ISOPRO isolation box is an efficient cooling packaging, designed specifically for sending products thatrequire a certain temperature for at least 24 hours during transport.

The isolating box is delivered flat and therefore requires little storage space. The packaging consists of a corrugated board box and an ISOPRO-isolation inner cover.

Sustainability: • Prevention: reduces spoilage of food during transport and its accompanying CO2 emissions.

Suited for: • Small and medium-large webshops and fulfilment companies.• Food, drinks and medicin, that require cold transportation.



http://www.coolpack.nl/download/Productinformatie-Medicold-ISOPRO-Box.pdf




The ‘Woolcool’ packaging is designed for delivering fresh food products.

The Woolcool concept consists of a corrugated board box and an isolating blanket made from 100% pure wool. The packaging has extensively been tested andmaintains a 5°C temperature for 24 hours. Both the box and the blanket can bereused and recycled.

The Woolcool is used in the United Kingdom by several suppliers of fresh food products.

Sustainability: • Prevention: prevent spoilage of food during transport.• Reuse: the packaging can be reused several times.

Suited for: • Small and medium-large webshops and fulfilment companies.• Food, drinks and medicin, that require cold transportation.

CATEGORIEËNCATEGORIEËN VOORBEELDENVOORBEELDENVOORBEELDEN / CASESVOOBEELDEN & CASESEXAMPLES & CASESCONTENT SUPPLIERSMATERIALSSUSTAINABLE




Active packaging for fresh products

For vegetables, fruits and flowers, the circumstances during transport need to becontrolled in order to ensure that these products are fresh upon arrival.

The Top Fresh bag absorbs ethylene gases and is able to ´breath´. By absorbing the ethylene gasses, the ripening process is slowed down. This keeps the products fresh fora longer period of time and also helps them maintain their moisture level.

The bags are suited for manual as well as fully automated packaging lines.

Sustainability: • Prevention: improves the duration of freshness of vegetables and fruits and thereby reduces food spoilage.

Suited for: • Food and flower selling companies.• Vegetables and fruits, flowers.





Packaging for bottles

Sending bottles as a wine seller, liquor store or webstore comes with the risk that the bottles might break during transport. Specially designed boxes such as flespakket.nlby Post NL, provide a solution to this problem. And even if the bottle breaks, the damage and the transport costs are reimbursed. For a test from a weblog see here.

Corrugated board packaging for bottles are available in different shapes and sizes. The packaging contains different compartments which enables the user to send multiple bottles. The box is usually delivered flat, can be folded easily and possesses reinforcedcorners.

Sustainability: • Prevention: strong construction of the box and its interior, thereby lowering the chances of breaking significantly.

Suited for: • Small and medium-large webshops and fulfilment companies. • Bottles.

Tip: Custom made packaging can be financially attractive when buying more than 1 pallet. Contact your supplier for more information.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zm3RO9aIzO0



Packaging reuse

The system for recycling of corrugated board packaging in the Netherlands is welldeveloped. However, reusing the packaging material is preferable over recycling of the material.

Together with the designers of their supplier, DrankDozijn.nl developed a newconcept. Their new packaging ensures that its content is delivered damage-free, and its design and features provide it with an additional function as storage box ormoving box.

Sustainability: • Reuse and recycling: the box can be reused as a storage or moving box.

Suited for: • Small and medium-large webshops and fulfilment companies.• Bottles.





Letterbox packaging

The Graze Box is made from corrugated board and fits in your mail box. It’s an attractive looking alternative to plastic packaging for snacks. The box consists of several compartments. Because of this, different combinations of snacks can be transported in one box.

Advantages:• Easy for the consumer to recycle• Eye catching design• Environmentally friendly image

Sustainability: • Material: the packaging consists for almost 100% out of board and can be fully recycled.• Logistics: the compact packaging fits through the mail box slot, which leads to less transport, as the box can always be delivered.

Suited for: • Small, medium-large and large webshops and fulfilment companies. • Snacks.





Examples and cases:

Logistics• Compact products and flat packaging

Reuse & recycling• Reusable packaging

Home and living


• Home & Living




Compact products > flat packaging

Sustainability: • Logistics: reduces emtpy space and thereby save on costs and environmental impact of transportation.

Suited for:• Large products that can be transported as seperate components.

Products that can be disassembled, and transported as seperate components, can be rearranged in different arrangements inside the packaging box. Optimising this arrangement, can result in the least amount of emptyspace inside the packaging. An example is the packaging of IKEA, in which the products are arranged in such a fashion that they use only the minimum amount of space. This reduces the volumes of the packaging, which in turn saves transportation costs as more boxes can be transported per pallet or per vehicle.

The components are also arranged in such a way that the boxes are flat. This allows for optimal stacking, which further reduces transport costs.


• Home & Living




Reusable packaging

A packaging box is generally disposed of after use, and then collected and recycled to producenew board products. Every year, milions of the boxes that contain company christmas gifts foremployees are disposed of in this fashion.

The Dutch Design Chair is a company christmas box that can be used as a design chair after use. In other words, not only the content are valuable products, the packaging itself is a valuable product as well.

Sustainability: • Reuse and recycling: packaging can be reused as a design chair.

Suited for: • Small, medium-large and large webshops and fulfilment companies.• Wine or food that does not require cooling during transport.


• Home & Living




Reusable packaging

Joolz develops sustainable solutions that reduce the environmental footprint. Anexample is their reusable packaging material. Every box can be coverted into a usefuland beautiful object. Such as lamps, birdhouses, photo frames and chairs.

Sustainability: • Reuse and recycle: packaging can be reused as a chair, toy or lamp.

Suited for: • Small and medium-large webshops and fulfilment companies.• Furniture.


• Home & Living


http://my-joolz.nl/nieuwe-reusable-verpakkingen/



Examples and cases:

Flowers• Mailbox packaging• Custom made packaging

Other

DUURZAAM MATERIALENSTARTPAGINASTARTPAGINA MATERIALEN LEVERANCIERSDUURZAAM VOORBEELDEN / CASESCATEGORIEËNCATEGORIEËN VOORBEELDENVOORBEELDENVOORBEELDEN / CASES

• Other




Flowers – Mailbox packaging

BloomPost sends flowers directly from the field to the consumer. It skips the wholesale and retail parts of the value chain, and instead delivers completely freshflowers every day. This saves a considerable amount of time, which means the consumers can enjoy their flowers much longer.

The flowers are first packed in a patented foil with microscopic little holes. This keepsthe moisture within the packaging, and allows only a little bit of oxygen to come intocontact with the flowers. This is enough to keep the flowers alive, but not enough to allow them to continue their growth. They then fall in a sleep modus, which allowsthem to survive up to five days without water or cooling. The firm material of the packaging protects them from shocks. After opening the package and putting the flowers in a vase, they awaken and remain fresh for over a week.

Sustainability: • Prevention: the packaging keeps the flowers fresh for a longer period of time.• Logistics: the packaging can fit through the mailbox slot, which saves transportation as it can be delivered even when the customer is not home.

Suited for: • Small and medium-large webshops and fulfilment companies.• Flowers.

DUURZAAM MATERIALENSTARTPAGINASTARTPAGINA MATERIALEN LEVERANCIERSDUURZAAM VOORBEELDEN / CASESCATEGORIEËNCATEGORIEËN VOORBEELDENVOORBEELDENVOORBEELDEN / CASESEXAMPLES & CASESCONTENT SUPPLIERSMATERIALSSUSTAINABLE

• Other



Flowers – Custom made packaging

Sustainability: • Material: no required filler or buffer material.• Transport/storage: takes up less space than a complete box

Suited for: • Webshops selling flowers.

An online delivery service of flowers wanted a packaging that would save space, didn’t require plastic buffer material, and had an eye-catching appearance.

• Smart looking packaging made out of one piece of corrugated board. Eye catchingdue to its shape and printability.

• Easy to fold due to the added tape.• The shape holds the flowers bouquet and the internal design provides automatic

toughness, therefore requiring no additional fortification.• The shape allows for easy stapling, which in turn leads to more packed flowers per

vehicle.


• Other



Examples and cases:

Logistics software• Optimalisation of loading of pallets and trucks• Packaging instructions

LCA – environmental analysis• Reducing environmental impact over the total life cycle

Packaging expertise• Netherlands Institute for Sustainable Packaging (KIDV)• NVC Netherlands Packaging Centre

Services and software






Optimalisation of loading of pallets and trucks

StackAssist® is a SAAS software tool that automatically identifies the optimal loadingconfiguration of a pallet and truck, for each order. The software also provides direct visual instructions. StackAssist® is developed by FPC Beyond Packaging.

Making rough assumptions of the optimal loading configuration usually leads to sending more volume, i.e. pallets and trucks, than necessary. StackAssist® prevents thisby identifying the optimal configuration.

StackAssist® is a scalable tool and deals with any range and type of packaging and products.

Sustainability: • Prevention: StackAssist® minimises the amount of packaging/transport units needed for the packaging and transportation of your orders. • Material: less packaging and filler material used.

Suited for: • Small, medium-large and large webshops and fulfilment companies.• Efficient packing of boxes, loading pallets, containers and trucks.





Packaging instructions: optimise the packaging of each product

PackAssist® is a SAAS software tool, developed by FPC Beyond Packaging, thatautomatically identifies the optimal packaging for each product, combined withvisual instructions. Because the packaging instructions are visual, they are understandable to anyone regardless of language.

PackAssist® prevents workers having to look for the correct packaging themselves. This in turn prevents suboptimal use of transport volumes, unnecessary use of fillermaterial and results in better protection of the product.

Sustainability: • Logistics: by choosing the optimal type and fit of packaging, the amount of transported volume and used materials, is reduced to a minimum.• Prevention: significant reduction in damage during transport and its related environmental impacts.

Suited for:• Fulfilment centers that pack and seperate products, and spare part companies.• Breakable products (e.g. electronics) and/or products that are complex to package (e.g. spare part kits).





LCA – environmental analysis: aim to reduce environmental impact

Choosing a sustainable packaging can be a daunting task, as there are a great amountof materials and logistic aspects that need to be taken into account. A Life CycleAssessment (LCA) can be a valuable tool in this regard.

There are various companies that perform LCAs, such as The LCA Centre. These LCAshelp to answer questions such as:• Which of my packaging options has the lowest environmental impact?• Is my newly developed packaging really more sustainable?• What options to I have to improve the environmental impact of my packaging?• What filler material is the most optimal from a sustainability point of view?• What is the impact of the type of tape I use?

Sustainability: • Divers: lab based calculations of the environmental impact of packaging. Fact based support for choosing more sustainable packaging options.

Eco-innovation focused packaging development.

Suited for: • All webshops that use packaging and fillers for shipping and transport, regardless of type of product or type of packaging.





Dutch Institute for Sustainable Packaging

Sustainability: • The mission of the KIDV is to contribute to a circular economy. The goal is a structural reduction of the environmental footprint of product-packaging value chains in the

Netherlands.

Suited for: • All companies within the logistics value chain: suppliers of materials, producers, webshops and fulfilment centers, waste collectors and recyclers.


The Dutch Institute for Sustainable Packaging (KIDV) is an independent institute related to the Packaging Framework 2013-2022, founded by the Dutch packaging industry, the Dutch city councils and the ministry of Infrastructure and environment. The KIDV was founded to stimulate the recycling and sustainable development of packaging materials, in order to contribute to the development of a circular economy for packaging.

The KIDV, together with four universities, is responsible for the scientific evaluation of the sustainable packagingaction plans of the different commercial sectors. Thuiswinkel.org is one of the first sectors to set up such anaction plan. This interactive guide is one of the results of their action plan.

Consumers can contact the KIDV for questions or ideas related to packaging and the environment at Meldpunt Verpakkingen.

For more information: www.kidv.nl.



http://www.nvc.nl/userfiles/files/NVC Position Paper Verpakken als succesfactor voor de bestendige toekomst van het webwinkelen.pdf

http://meldpuntverpakkingen.nl/

http://www.kidv.nl/



NVC Netherlands Packaging Centre

Sustainability: • Increased knowledge regarding sustainable packaging and Web Retail Packaging

Suited for: • All companies within the logistics value chain: suppliers of materials, producers, webshops and fulfilment centers, waste collectors and recyclers.

NVC (founded in 1953) is an association of companies who acknowledges the importance of packaging within the supply chain of packaged products. NVC offers various courses and projects in Web Retail Packaging.

Every actor in the supply chain of packaged products is required to have sufficient knowledge in order to evaluatethe overall implications of their decisions, and should be open to sharing relevant information with others. This has to be done based on mutual trust and respect. The following aspects of Web Retail Packaging need to be addressed: technology, marketing, logistics, consumer behaviour and ergonomics.

For more information see Position Paper (Dutch): ‘Verpakken als succesfactor voor de bestendige toekomst van het webwinkelen’.




http://www.nvc.nl/opleidingen/nvc-e-course-packaging-for-e-commerce/




Examples and cases:

Smart packaging• Active & intelligent Packaging• Active flower packaging

New materials• Bio-based materials

Smart logistics• Vacuum and reusable envelope• Drone mail delivery

Future developments

Reading TIP: In 2013, Thuiswinkel.org started the research project ShoppingTomorrow. With 660 experts (commercial, scientific, governmental) the developments towards 2020 in the e-commerce sector, were researched.




https://www.shoppingtomorrow.nl/



Active & Intelligent Packaging

Sustainability: • Prevention: track & trace, prevention of theft and damages.• Logistics: more efficient transport.

Suited for: • Brandowners, webshops and logistics companies.• Valuables and perishables.

Packaging has started to play a more active and intelligent role. Especially in the field of traceability, waste reduction and dealing with counterfeit products, there has been a notable increase of developments.

AIPIA (Active & Intelligent Packaging Industry Association)AIPIA’s mission is to reduce costs in the packaging supply chain, prevent waste and increase the profitability of its members, by implementing hi-tech packaging solutions, such as:• Sensors and Tags, NFC Technology, Printed Electronics, RFID Technology• Track, Trace and Control Systems, Time- and temperature indicators• Supply chain order,- control- and information systems• Anti-theft devices, Tamper proofing and Anti Counterfeit Systems





Active packaging

Sustainability: • Prevention: prevent product losses by wilting and damaging.• Logistics: more flexible value chains.

Suited for: • Small, medium-large and large webshops and fulfilment companies.• Flowers and food products.

Flowers are living products and are therefore highly sensitive to damaging and wiltingduring transport. Various factors are of importance in this regards, such as: ethyleneemissions, fungi, bacteria, shocks, and variations in temperature.

By implementing active components (e.g. via coatings) ethylene emissions can becaptured and the growth of fungi/bacteria can be reduced, thereby allowing the flowers to remain in good condition.

This prevents product losses, improves the quality of the flowers, and also enablesflexibility and new delivery options in the supply chain.

For more information: Bumaga - Sanne Tiekstra (www.bumaga.nl)



mailto:[email protected]

http://www.bumaga.nl/



Biobased materials

Sustainability: • Material: biobased product that is fully compostable.

Suited for: • Small, medium-large and large webshops and fulfilment companies.• Breakable products that are currently using polystyrene for protection during transport.

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is used to protect heavy objects during transport. The disadvantage is that EPS is difficult to collect via conventional recycling systems, and is therefore usually not recycled.

The company Ecovative develops packaging products based on mycelium. This part of the fungi can be grown into any shape or form using organic streams (e.g. agriculturalwaste streams) as feedstock. The end product has similar characteristics to polystyrene. After use the packaging can be composted.





Vacuum and reusable envelope

Sustainability: • Logistics: vacuum packaging result in less transport of empty space and also allows the packaging to fit in the mail box. This garantuees that the article can be delivered (less

environmental impact from additional transport).• Reuse and recycling: the consumer can reuse the packaging.

Suited for: • Small, medium-large and large webshops and fulfilment companies.• Mainly suited for products that contain a lot of air, such as clothes.

The Platterbag is a new concept for a mail box packaging that can be vacuumed byhand. This results in less transportation of empty space. The packaging can beresealed and equiped with a double (return) label. This enables the consumer to easilyreturn the packaging.

The packaging is made partly from a stiff material, allowing the packaging to maintainits shape and appearance. The packaging contains biobased plastic (bioPE) and the inner layer and the zip-lock are made from PE.

For more information: PostNL






Smart Logistics - DHL delivers post using drone

Sustainability: • Logistics: more efficient transport

Suited for: • Delivery companies.• Emergency deliveries of products in remote places.

DHL started in 2014 to test deliveries using autonomous drones. The small helicoptertransports, among others, medicins and other ‘emergency products’. According to DHL, it is the first time an unmanned aircraft was allowed to fly in Europe outside of the line of sight of a pilot. A special area was closed off for this purpose.





Suppliers of sustainable transport packaging

To find a supplier please choose one of the categories below:

• Wholesalers of packaging supplies


• Corrugated board producers

• Plastic foil producers

• Other biobased material producers


Note: this overview of suppliers is based on data provided by Thuiswinkel.org and the VNP, and is therefore not exhaustive. If you would like to includeyour sustainable packaging case or contact data as a supplier of sustainable packaging, then please contact the authors of this document.

SUPPLIERSDUURZAAM MATERIALENSTARTPAGINASTARTPAGINA MATERIALENDUURZAAM EXAMPLES & CASES

• Categories

CONTENT MATERIALSSUSTAINABLE




Company Description/product Website Contact

DS SmithProducer and supplier of corrugated board, packaging and packaging lines

www.dssmith-packaging.nlRemko [email protected]

Smurfit KappaProducer and supplier of corrugated board, packagingand packaging lines

www.smurfitkappa.nl [email protected]

Corrugated board producers

Plastic foil producers


Oerlemans PlasticsProducer and supplier of plastic foil and packaging (alsorecycled and biobased plastics)

www.oerlemansplastics.nlGert-Jan van [email protected]

Kivo Plastic Verpakkingen Producer and supplier of PE foil and packaging www.kivo.nl [email protected]

DUURZAAM MATERIALENSTARTPAGINASTARTPAGINA MATERIALENDUURZAAM

• Producers of materials


PaperFoamProducer and supplier of PaperFoam custom made packaging

www.paperfoam.comMark [email protected]

Bio4Pack Biobased and compostable packaging www.bio4pack.comPatrick [email protected]

Biobased material producers

SUPPLIERSEXAMPLES & CASESCONTENT MATERIALSSUSTAINABLE

http://www.dssmith-packaging.nl/


http://www.smurfitkappa.nl/


http://www.oerlemansplastics.nl/


http://www.kivo.nl/


http://www.paperfoam.com/


http://www.bio4pack.com/

mailto:'[email protected]'



Wholesalers of packaging supplies (1/2)


BunzlWholesaler of packaging supplies and reseller of packaginglines

www.bunzl.nlBrigitte van den Boogaard [email protected]



Keiren Enveloppen Packaging envelopes www.keiren.nlEddo [email protected]

Moonen PackagingWholesaler of packaging supplies and reseller of packaginglines

www.moonenpackaging.comPaul van Dijk [email protected]

PaardekooperWholesaler of packaging supplies

www.paardekooper.nlPatrick [email protected]

PostNL Wide range of packaging supplies verpakkingen.postnl.nlMike [email protected]




http://www.bunzl.nl/




http://www.keiren.nl/


http://www.moonenpackaging.com/


http://www.paardekooper.nl/


http://verpakkingen.postnl.nl/customer/account/login/




Wholesalers of packaging supplies (2/2)


FROMM Packaging supplies: bundle, filling, foil wrap www.fromm.nl [email protected]

Medicold BV Packaging for food transport www.coolpack.nlMartijn [email protected]

Oerlemans plastics Producer and supplier of plastic foil and packaging www.oerlemansplastics.nlGert-Jan van [email protected]

Rajapack Wholesaler of packaging supplies www.rajapack.nlJeroen [email protected]

Smurfit KappaProducer and supplier of corrugated board, packaging and packaging lines

www.smurfitkappa.com [email protected]

Topa Verpakking Customer specific packaging solutions www.topaverpakking.nlCalvin [email protected]

Van der Windt Producer and supplier of plastic foil and packaging www.vanderwindt.comHuib [email protected]




http://www.fromm.nl/


http://www.coolpack.nl/


http://www.oerlemansplastics.nl/


http://www.rajapack.nl/


http://www.smurfitkappa.com/


http://www.topaverpakking.nl/


http://www.vanderwindt.com/site/




Machine manufacturer and supplier (1/2)


BunzlWholesaler of packaging supplies and reseller of packaginglines

www.bunzl.nlBrigitte van den Boogaard [email protected]



Moonen PackagingWholesaler of packaging supplies and reseller of packaginglines

www.moonenpackaging.comPaul van Dijk [email protected]




http://www.bunzl.nl/




http://corporate.moonenpackaging.com/nl




Machine manufacturer and supplier (2/2)


BandallProducer and supplier of banding machines (includingbanding materials)

www.bandall.com [email protected]

Neopost Automatic packaging lines www.neopost-technologies.nlBas van [email protected]

PacksizeAutomatic packaging lines

www.packsize.comTon de [email protected]

Panotec Automatic packaging lines www.boxondemand.com [email protected]

Ranpak Protective packaging and machines www.ranpak.comJeroen van [email protected]

Sealed Air Protective packaging and machines www.sealedair.com [email protected]

Smurfit KappaProducer and supplier of corrugated board, packaging and packaging lines

www.smurfitkappa.com [email protected]

Storopack Protective packaging and machines www.storopack.nlWim [email protected]




http://www.bandall.com/


http://www.neopost-technologies.nl/


http://www.packsize.com/


http://www.boxondemand.com/


http://www.ranpak.com/


https://sealedair.com/


http://www.smurfitkappa.com/


http://www.storopack.nl/




Services and software (1/2)


PostNLMail order company, supplier of mail and logisticssolutions

www.postnl.nlMike [email protected]

Bumaga Innovation centre for the Dutch paper and board industry www.bumaga.nlSanne [email protected]

FPC Beyond Packaging Consultancy www.FPC-beyondpackaging.comMartijn van ‘t [email protected]

FSC Certification www.fsc.nlVera [email protected]

KIDV - Netherlands Institute for Sustainable Packaging

Knowledge institute development of circular economyfor packaging

www.kidv.nlKaren van de [email protected]

NVC NetherlandsPackaging Centre

Knowledge and educational institute www.nvc.nlGer Standhardt [email protected]

Partners for Innovation Sustainable innovation / LCA quick-scan www.partnersforinnovation.comSiem [email protected]

DUURZAAM MATERIALENSTARTPAGINASTARTPAGINA MATERIALENDUURZAAM MATERIALEN



http://www.postnl.nl/


http://www.bumaga.nl/


http://www.fpc-beyondpackaging.com/


http://www.fsc.nl/


http://www.kidv.nl/


http://www.nvc.nl/


http://www.partnersforinnovation.com/




Services and software (2/2)


PEFC Certification www.pefcnederland.nlHuib van [email protected]

The LCA Center LCA – Environmental analysis www.thelcacentre.comAgnieszka van [email protected]

Vincotte Certificationwww.okcompost.bewww.okbiobased.be

Petra [email protected]




http://www.pefcnederland.nl/


http://www.thelcacentre.com/


http://www.okcompost.be/

http://www.okbiobased.be/




Colofon:

Contact : Partners for InnovationSiem Haffmans / Marc [email protected]

The work ‘A guide to Sustainable Packaging for the E-Commerce Sector’ is a collaborative result of the Dutch association for Paper and Board Mills (VNP), the Netherlands Entreprise Agency (RVO) and Thuiswinkel.org. This collaboration was part of both the Collaboration Framework regarding energy savings in the value chains of the Dutch paper and board sector, as well as the sustainability agreements made by Thuiswinkel.org as part of the Dutch Packaging Framework. The research and documentation was performed by Partners for Innovation with the support of the Knowledge Insitute for Sustainable Packaging (KIDV).

The goal of the collaboration is to inspire Dutch webshops, especially the smaller webshops, by providing practical examples of, and guidelines for, sustainable packaging choices.

We hereby express our gratitude to all the webshops, suppliers and wholesalers for their cooperation.

Contact : Thuiswinkel.orgMargreeth Pape [email protected].

Contact: Dutch association for paper and board mills Marc Reijnders [email protected]




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Three Shades of Green (based on: Prof. Ab Stevels & Boks, 2003)

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Three Shades of Green (based on: Prof. Ab Stevels & Boks, 2003)

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